Plus Size & Mid Life

Want to find true happiness and get off the instant gratification train?

Here are 8 things to start doing today to increase your long term happiness:

1. Lose track of time doing something you enjoy
2. Be more social even while doing everyday tasks (eg. call a friend while shopping or doing laundry)
3. Treat people kindly
4. Be grateful for what you already have
5. Buy experiences instead of stuff
6. Spend money on time saving services
7. Delay treats to make them more enjoyable
8. Do ‘green’ activities that are good for the planet

Source: BBC Science Focus Magazine

I’m lucky to live by the ocean. Lots of studies have shown that being near the ocean is beneficial for mental health. The sound of the waves, the vastness of the sea and the salty air all have a calming effect because we are focussing on the what is going on around us instead of the turmoil inside.

If you don’t live near the ocean, other bodies of water like lakes and rivers also help bring about similar benefits.

Social media is wrong about the male loneliness epidemic. Unfortunately there is a loneliness epidemic, but it’s one that affects us all. Experts blame technology use, fewer community spaces for people to gather, and the negative social impacts of lockdown.

Source: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/24/10/what-causing-our-epidemic-loneliness-and-how-can-we-fix-it

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably a procrastinator. Putting off important stuff ‘for another day’ is usually not about time management. We often delay tasks that feel emotionally loaded. This is especially true when they connect to confidence, identity, or fear of judgement. So small things become big things in our minds. Next time you find yourself putting things off, ask yourself what feels risky about taking this step. Knowing what you’re feeling and why is really the key to moving forward.

Source: Psychologies

Quick stress relief tip for a Monday: take 30 seconds to sit and just breathe slowly, in and out, while noticing the sounds and smells around you. Do this before you start your work day, after a long commute or anytime you need a mental reset. ❤️

Next time you are feeling fed up with your job, your partner or teenager or the puppy that chews your slippers, try a technique called ‘mental subtraction’. It’s simple to do. Imagine how your life would be without your job, husband, teenager or puppy. People who try this are often amazed at the fresh perspective and feelings of appreciation that they gain!

Source: TIME

Ever heard of a reverse bucket list?

Instead of listing everything you want to accomplish, write down everything you’ve already achieved.

You’ll be surprised at how much this boosts your confidence and perspective!

Source: Oprah Daily, June 17, 2026

Let’s talk about stress. We all feel it, some more than others. One reason for this has to do with how you think about stress. For example, recent research discovered that people who think stress is debilitating were more likely to be debilitated by it. On the other hand, those who view stress as motivating, are better able to navigate daily stressors with less upset.

Like anything new, changing your mindset about stress takes time and patience and, as always, if you are struggling with your thoughts and feelings, see your doctor or licensed health professional.

Source: BBC Science Focus Magazine

Nothing like a brisk walk to clear your head, so the saying goes. Turns out that being outside in nature not only leaves you feeling more energized and restored, it can also improve your body image. Positive feelings can translate into feeling better about your body and what it can do, versus focussing on society’s body standards.

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016041202600235